Statins v Fibrates

[irojoota]

Anyone tried Fibrates? I am one of the many who can't tolerate statins and my GP gave me Bezalip Mono a slow release fibrate which I took for a few months without any issues. Went for a test and my cholesterol was 5.5 and my GP wanted it lower so changed me to Fenofibrate. Upshot was the old backache and joint pain and I felt I was losing confidence and anxious once again. I returned to Bezalip Mono but symptoms remained so I stopped altogether with GP's approval. I have now been off them a couple of weeks and all back to normal once again. Not sure where to go next with it. GP is great and does not judge so no hassle! I may start the Bezalip Mono again.

Anyone had any experience of fibrates?

Cheers

Clive

[KatyB]

I have a relation who has been on fibrates for a few years now with no problems. She is 77 and had a minor stroke in her thirties so has always been careful with diet. I understand that fibrates control cholesterol in the gut rather than affecting the liver. She was unable to tolerate statins.

[ashleyout]

After three years on Atorvastatin I started getting the muscle pains and cramp in my feet. My doctor started me on Fenofibrate (secalip) which has been fine up to now, but I have to have blood tests every three months as it can attack the kidneys. I have had no side effects so far and my energy levels are much higher, thus enabling me to exercise more, which is a win-win for me.

[sos007 Ambassador]

Clive, I have not tried fibrates. However I know they are triglyceride suppressants that also enhance HDL values - thus their protective nature.

You don't need these things if you commit to a healthy diet and daily exercise.

Triglycerides can be reduced by eliminating all sugar and other equivalents (honey, maple syrup, agave, high fructose corn syrup, etc...) and eliminating simple (or refined) carbohydrates from your diet. Simultaneously, you must increase your intake of legumes (beans, chick peas, lentils, green peas) along with fresh green vegetables, fruits (blueberries and blackberries, apples and oranges), nuts and seeds.

Follow this diet and your triglycerides will collapse as will your LDL-C, but more importantly your LDL-P which you should measure through a blood test called the NMR Lipoprofile.

Drugs are short-term, band-aid solutions that do not address the cause of medical conditions. You must address the cause of your condition in which case you will then eliminate it and avoid a major medical crisis.

Get a cookbook focused on the Mediterranean Diet to help you along.

I changed my diet and lifestyle after open-heart surgery 4 years ago and stopped taking all drugs 2 1/2 years ago and haven't looked back.

Good luck.

[irojoota in reply to sos007]

Many thanks for all replies, all interesting and helpful. I did go down the diet road after my first problems with statins but my issue was my weight loss. Most people love to lose weight and I'm sure that is great for them. For me it is a real pain as I have to eat like a gannet to maintain my meagre 10 stone and last time I dieted it my weight dropped and I was forever tired and people were asking me if I was ill! Therefore I have a dilemma! I am a 5ft 8" male, 80 years old, very active and still working; Because of my age my muscle is disappearing which is inevitable I suppose but it seems most of the stuff I eat is causing my cholesterol to be above normal which is not good for my Carotid Artery restriction. I would love to give up the fibrates but I feel that I an in Catch 22 situation, I would like to say my long standing partner is a great cook so already plenty of greens, chicken and fish from her! Then there is the steaks, potatoes etc which I try not to think about it. Head in sand I think!!

Thanks all

Clive

[sos007 Ambassador in reply to irojoota]

When eating a Mediterranean Diet or Low Carb, Healthy Fat diet, it is critical to exercise regardless of your age. To maintain muscle mass you must do resistance training. You can do that with your own body weight by doing things such as push-ups and squats. You can buy some hand held weight to do curls and deltoid exercises as well.

It is also important to note that when eating a healthy diet, you can fill-up so you don't feel hungry. If you're eating the right foods your body will burn fat and its your job to do the resistance training to maintain muscle mass.

As far as steak and potatoes are concerned - you can have up to 3 oz of animal protein per day. Steaks should be reserved for the weekend as men over 50 and post-menopausal women tend to accumulate iron in the body which can cause hemochromatosis - a condition that oxidizes your body's tissues and accelerates aging.

If you choose to have potatoes have sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes - but this food group should be eaten in moderation due to the glycemic load.

We're all going to die one day, and I know when you've attained a certain age there is the tendency to think 'what the hell, I got this far, I should enjoy life and eat what I want'. However at that stage it is not about longevity as much as 'health span'. You want to live your remaining years in good health, enjoying life and not having a daily series of doctors visits.

Good luck.

[irojoota in reply to sos007]

Thanks, that is not too bad then! Have started the sweet potato now and will have time to do exercises in the near future as I am going to retire(planned for April)

I am pretty active as I build and fit classic car car engines but of course that is about to stop so may join a gym. Blood test due after Easter and then doctor so will see how I am doing. Many thanks for your input and advice.

Cheers

Clive